In this new story from our beneficiary series, we meet Darío de la Cruz, a medical student at the University of Antioquia who left his hometown of Pasto, Nariño, to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. His journey reveals what it means to stay committed when resources are limited, to find strength in family values, and to turn perseverance into possibility.
Who is Darío de la Cruz?
I am a medical student at the University of Antioquia, originally from Pasto, Nariño. I come from a very close-knit family where we have always supported one another, and that support has been fundamental in getting me to where I am today. From a young age, I had the desire to improve my life and my family’s life. That motivation led me to leave my hometown and move to Medellin in search of new opportunities, even though I didn’t know anyone here. I consider myself a resourceful and persistent person who always looks for solutions, even in the most difficult moments.
My family is made up of my mother and my older brother. We did not grow up with a father figure, but my mother was—and continues to be—the pillar of our lives. Even though she did not finish high school, she always instilled in us the importance of education. My maternal grandfather also believed deeply in the transformative power of learning. My older brother tried to go to university, but circumstances didn’t allow it. He ended up working as a salesman and small merchant. Eventually, he started a family and put aside his plans to study.
Why did you decide to pursue a university education?
Since we were children, my mother would always tell us that studying was the only way to have a better future. There weren’t many university graduates in my family, but one of my cousins, who graduated as a graphic designer and later became a teacher, showed me that it was possible. After finishing high school, I applied to study medicine for the first time but was not admitted. I decided to start working, something my mother didn’t fully agree with, and that search for work opportunities is what brought me from Pasto to Medellin. I worked as a waiter, a math tutor, and in any job I could find. Even then, my mother never stopped encouraging me to try again. She used to tell me that a job would help me get by, but an education would help me progress. Eventually, I decided to prepare once more, and on my second attempt, I was admitted to the Medicine program at the University of Antioquia. That was one of the happiest days of my life and a turning point in my personal story.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to be at university today?
Without a doubt, financial difficulties. When I finished high school, I felt the pressure to work and help my family, but studying comes with extra expenses, and combining both was almost impossible. During my first semesters, I studied during the day and worked at night or on weekends. There were moments when I didn’t know if I would be able to pay rent or afford food, and uncertainty was a constant companion. Still, I never gave up. If I hadn’t been admitted to study medicine, I would have tried other programs like microbiology, because for me, studying has always been a commitment to my future and to the example I want to set for my family.
What has been your most important achievement so far at university?
My greatest achievement has been staying the course. Resilience has been my constant companion. Despite economic and personal obstacles, I have never abandoned my studies, not even during the pandemic. Looking back, I realize that every sacrifice was worth it. I am now closer than ever to becoming a doctor—something that only a few years ago seemed out of reach.
How has the support from impactU influenced your university experience?
The support from impactU Foundation has meant a profound change in my life. Before, I lived in constant uncertainty about how to cover my basic expenses and worried that at any moment I might have to pause my studies. Today, I feel calm, supported, and backed by a community that believes in me. It’s not just the financial aid, which has been essential, but also the human connection. I feel like I have a family here in Medellín—people who encourage me to keep going and remind me that my efforts are worthwhile. Thanks to impactU, I can now focus entirely on my studies and move confidently toward my goals, without the constant weight of financial insecurity.
How do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself practicing medicine and likely pursuing a specialization. I haven’t yet decided on the area, but it will probably be in internal medicine.
To finish, tell us about Pasto, Nariño. What do you miss? What should we know about it?
Pasto is a small, welcoming city with great cultural and natural richness. It is affordable and peaceful, with a wide and diverse gastronomic offer that reflects the identity of southern Colombia. Pasto’s cuisine is one of its greatest treasures. You can enjoy many varieties of potatoes grown in the region, such as nevada, amarilla, chaucha, and pastusa, along with delicious fruits like blackberries, strawberries, and chilacuan, a yellow fruit traditionally served in syrup with fresh cheese. Among the most representative local dishes are frito pastuso, roasted guinea pig, and trout raised in the region’s rivers and lagoons. Hot fruit beverages called hervidos, prepared with fruits and chapil, are also traditional—they’re shared among friends and family, especially on cold nights or during celebrations.
But Pasto is not only about food. It is also a city with an impressive natural and cultural heritage. I recommend visiting Chapal Park, a peaceful place surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the fresh air. The Chimayoy Natural Park offers trails where visitors can observe birds and a great diversity of Andean flora. La Cocha Lagoon is one of the most magical places I know: a mirror-like lake surrounded by mountains, where you can navigate through its wooden canals and enjoy freshly prepared trout in the lakeside restaurants.
An hour and a half from the city lies Las Lajas Sanctuary, in Ipiales—a true architectural jewel built over a canyon. It is one of the most stunning temples in Colombia and a pilgrimage site that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Galeras volcano, visible from the city, offers hiking routes for those who love nature. A bit farther away stands the Cumbal volcano, another natural symbol of the region that can also be visited.
And, of course, one cannot talk about Pasto without mentioning its greatest pride: the Blacks and Whites’ Carnival. For several days, the city fills with music, color, and joy. Each day has its own theme, and everything culminates with a grand parade of floats that reflect the creativity of local artists. It is a celebration that symbolizes harmony among cultures and has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The Carnival Museum, located in the city, allows visitors to explore its history, artistic processes, and floats from past editions.
Pasto is a place that brings together nature, art, tradition, and community. It is a city where people live proudly connected to their roots and celebrate life with gratitude. Every time I think of returning, it feels like going back to the origin of my dreams—to the place where my hopes were born and where I found the strength that drives me to keep moving forward.
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